Festival of Lights Berlin 2025 highlights

Explore Berlin’s glow: the Festival of Lights ✨ 

The Festival of Lights Berlin is one of the city’s most anticipated events, transforming the capital into a mesmerizing wonderland of light, color, and creativity. This annual festival, which typically takes place in October, showcases spectacular light installations, projections, and 3D mapping shows across Berlin’s most iconic landmarks. For about ten days, the festival invites locals and tourists alike to explore Berlin in a vibrant way, making it a must-see event for all visitors.

Keep on reading to discover everything you need to know about the Festival of Lights Berlin 2025

and how to make the most of your visit! 

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A celebration of connection and innovation 🌉 

The Berlin Festival of Lights 2025 will shine brighter than ever with the theme revolving around unity, community, and connection. This year’s theme aims to showcase Berlin’s vibrant cultural diversity, and create connections between people, cultures, and generations. Through captivating light installations, artists from around the world will use Berlin’s architecture as their canvas, creating a visual narrative that celebrates unity and diversity.

For those planning to explore more of Europe’s illuminated cities, don’t miss our guide to the Amsterdam Festival of Lights—another stunning event that transforms a city with the power of light art. 

Festival of Lights Berlin: the Berlin Dome illuminated with green and blue lights
The Berlin Dome lit up in vibrant colors

Locations and highlights for 2025 🏙️ 

From October 8 to 15, 2025, the Festival of Lights Berlin will light up the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral, the TV Tower, and the Victory Column. This year, new Festival of Lights Berlin locations such as the East Side Gallery and Tempelhofer Feld will also be featured, providing fresh perspectives on Berlin’s unique urban landscape. 

Over 80 illuminated artworks will be spread across 40 different locations, offering visitors a diverse and expansive route for the Festival of Lights Berlin tour. Whether you’re on foot or exploring via a hop-on-hop-off Berlin Festival of Lights bus, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to witness the stunning displays and soak in the festive atmosphere. 

Experience the Festival of Lights Berlin tour 🚌 

The Festival of Lights Berlin tour offers a fantastic way to experience the event’s highlights. Guided tours are available, providing insightful commentary on the installations and the artists behind them. These tours are a great way to delve deeper into the stories and inspirations behind each light artwork, making the experience even more enriching. For those looking to cover more ground, the hop-on-hop-off Berlin Festival of Lights bus allows you to conveniently travel between key locations, ensuring you don’t miss any of the major displays. 

Interactive and immersive experiences 🎨 

The Festival of Lights Berlin isn’t just about admiring the beautiful light installations; it’s also about immersing yourself in the city’s creative energy. In addition to the light displays, the festival will feature interactive experiences such as augmented reality (AR) installations that visitors can engage with via their smartphones. There will also be photography workshops, artist talks, and special performances that provide a more interactive and dynamic way to experience the festival. 

Festival of Lights Berlin: the Brandenburger Gate illuminated by lights
Brandenburg Gate shines with a stunning light display

Sustainability at the core 🌱 

Sustainability is a key focus for the Festival of Lights Berlin. The event continues to prioritize eco-friendly practices, using energy-efficient LED lights and other sustainable technologies to reduce its environmental footprint. This commitment not only enhances the festival’s message of connection and responsibility but also aligns with Berlin’s dedication to sustainability and green initiatives. 

Plan your visit: tips for the Festival of Lights Berlin 2025 🗺️ 

To fully enjoy the Berlin Festival of Lights, consider these helpful tips: 

#1 Plan your route

Check the official festival website or app for detailed maps and the route of the Festival of Lights Berlin. This will help you plan which installations you want to visit and in what order. 

#2 Use the hop-on-hop-off bus

For a convenient and comprehensive way to see the lights, take advantage of the hop-on-hop-off Berlin Festival of Lights bus. It stops at major installations and allows you to explore at your own pace. 

#3 Dress warmly

October evenings in Berlin can be chilly, so dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely be walking between locations. 

#4 Visit during off-peak times

To avoid crowds, consider visiting installations during weekdays or later in the evening when it’s less busy. 

#5 Capture the magic

Bring a camera or use your smartphone’s night mode to capture the stunning displays. Remember, patience is key for getting the perfect shot, especially with the crowds! 

#6 Share your experience

Don’t forget to share your photos and experiences on social media with the hashtag #FestivalofLightsBerlin2025 to connect with other attendees and see the event from different perspectives. 

Festival of Lights Berlin: the Oberbaumbruecke projecting laser lights
Oberbaumbrücke aglow with vibrant green lights

See Berlin in a new light 🌟 

The Festival of Lights Berlin is more than just a visual spectacle; rather, it’s a celebration of Berlin’s spirit, creativity, and inclusive culture. Whether you choose to explore on foot, take the Festival of Lights Berlin tour, or hop on and off the festival bus, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself captivated by the dazzling displays and the festive atmosphere. So, don’t miss the chance to be part of this magical event, and discover why it continues to be one of Berlin’s most beloved cultural experiences. 

Festival of Lights Berlin 2025 highlights: FAQs

  • What is the Festival of Lights Berlin 2025?

    The Festival of Lights Berlin 2025 is a major annual event where the city’s iconic landmarks are transformed into vibrant canvases of light, color, and 3D projections. From October 8-15th, 2025, over 80 illuminated artworks will light up 40 different locations around Berlin, making it one of the city’s most anticipated and visually stunning events.

  • When does the Festival of Lights Berlin 2025 take place?

    The Festival of Lights Berlin runs from October 8 to 15th, 2025. During these ten days, Berlin’s most famous landmarks will be illuminated with light art installations, creating a spectacular evening experience across the city.

  • What are the highlights of the Festival of Lights Berlin 2025?

    This year’s highlights include breathtaking light installations at the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral, the TV Tower, and new locations like the East Side Gallery and Tempelhofer Feld. The festival’s theme, “Bridges of Light,” celebrates the connection between tradition and modernity, with each artwork telling a unique story about unity and diversity.

  • How can I explore the Festival of Lights Berlin 2025?

    There are several ways to explore the Festival of Lights Berlin 2025. You can walk between installations or take a guided Festival of Lights Berlin tour for in-depth insights. The hop-on-hop-off Berlin Festival of Lights bus is also a great option, allowing you to easily move between the main attractions at your own pace.

  • Are there any interactive experiences at the Festival of Lights Berlin 2025?

    Yes, the festival offers interactive experiences, including augmented reality (AR) installations that you can engage with via your smartphone. There are also photography workshops, artist talks, and special performances that add an immersive and dynamic element to the festival.

  • What are the best times to visit the Festival of Lights Berlin 2025?

    For the best experience, consider visiting the festival during weekdays or later in the evening to avoid large crowds. The light displays are visible from dusk until late, allowing you to explore Berlin’s illuminated landmarks in a more relaxed atmosphere.

  • How does the Festival of Lights Berlin 2025 promote sustainability?

    Sustainability is a key focus of the Festival of Lights Berlin. The event uses energy-efficient LED lights and other sustainable technologies to reduce its environmental impact. This commitment to eco-friendly practices reflects Berlin’s dedication to green initiatives and responsible tourism.

  • What should I wear to the Festival of Lights Berlin?

    October evenings in Berlin can be chilly, so it’s best to dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking between different installations. A warm jacket and scarf are recommended to keep you comfortable while exploring the outdoor light displays.

  • Can I take photos at the Festival of Lights Berlin?

    Absolutely! The Festival of Lights Berlin is a photographer’s dream. Bring a camera or use your smartphone’s night mode to capture the stunning displays. Be sure to share your photos on social media with the hashtag #FestivalofLightsBerlin2025 to connect with other attendees and showcase your experience.

🛎️ The ideal Berlin Festival of Lights hotel

Looking for the perfect place to stay during the festival? MEININGER Hotels offers several comfortable, budget-friendly accommodation options right in the heart of Berlin.
Whether you’re here to explore the city’s light installations or catch a concert, MEININGER has you covered! 

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📍 MEININGER Hotel Berlin Mitte “Humboldthaus”: Oranienburger Straße 67/68, 10117 Berlin 
 📍 MEININGER Hotel Berlin East Side Gallery: Am Postbahnhof 4, 10243 Berlin 
 📍 MEININGER Hotel Berlin Tiergarten: Turmstraße 25-26, 10559 Berlin 

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With 6 MEININGER Hotels in Berlin, you’re always close to the action—history, street art, nightlife, and chill vibes, all from a comfy and affordable base.

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